Broken Chains (film)

Broken Chains is a 1922 American silent melodrama film directed by Allen Holubar. Starring Colleen Moore, Malcolm McGregor, and Ernest Torrence, it was based on the winning story from a scenario contest held by the Goldwyn Pictures Corporation and the Chicago Daily News.

Wealthy Peter Wyndham is useless in attempting to prevent the theft of Hortense Allens jewelry. A butler is killed during the robbery, and unable to face his cowardice, Peter heads west. He takes a job working for his fathers lumber mill. Meanwhile, elsewhere Mercy Boones newborn child has died. Boyan Boone, her husband is callous towards the loss. He is a thug, and neerdowell with a band of thieves working with him. When Mercy attempts to escape she meets Peter before Boyan returns her to his cabin where he chains her. Peter finds her and they begin a romance under Boyans nose. Boyan learns and beats up Peter, who summons the strength to fight him for the honor of Mercy.The Chicago Daily News, together with The Goldwyn Company, held a national scenario writing contest in 1921 a first prize was 10,000 and a Goldwyn production based on the story. Among 27,000 entries, Winifred Kimballs Broken Chains was selected. The story was then given to experienced scenarist Carey Wilson to make it ready for filming. ........

Source: Wikipedia